For Eve

My granddaughter Eve Rose is having a birthday very soon, and I have made her something special.

I really enjoyed making this nine-patch quilt and using all my scraps, it was fun to do.

A Possum Pleaser

A couple of weeks into January( when the days couldn't possibly be any hotter...wonderful, I might add) I discovered a beautiful scarf pattern, and had one of those moments when I thought "I am sure I could knit this in just a couple of weeks in plenty of time for a birthday coming soon"...but I was wrong.
However I am carrying on regardless...

The pattern is gorgeous and very clever and using the possum wool makes it incredibly soft and warm.

I found the pattern here at Purl Bee. It's definitely not the sort of thing you should start knitting in the middle of summer, but....

I couldn't resist.

I have another 65 inches or so to complete and I am determined for this not to become an UFO.

Watch this space !!

Filey

Finished in time for a New Year's Eve birthday. The pattern is called Filey and is from Rowan magazine no.45. Made with Rowan Summer Tweed and was not an enjoyable knit....hence why I took so long over it.

However I do like the textured detail on the back and I hope He (the fussy one) will like it too, and will wear it more than once or twice !
I might have to be patient for the cooler weather though to get that result.

Swallowtail Shawl

I believe I first cast on for this shawl in 2006, which is when I received the pattern in the Interweave Knits magazine. I used a cashmere handspun yarn that I purchased in the UK...Devon Fine Fibres.

After having knit through a third of it, I then packed it away in the window seat where I keep all my projects and stash of wool, and forgot about it for a few years !

The other day when I was looking for my husband's unfinished vest ( I had thought I might complete it for his birthday on New Years Eve), I came across the shawl and the rest of the cashmere and all it took was a couple of evenings and a good audio book (So Much For That by Lionel Shriver )

I am sorry I have been absent for so much of this year. Violin playing and music exams have taken over the hours in my days, but I still hope to pop back from time to time.
Seasons Greetings to you all !

Mitered Crosses Blanket

Here I am again...you thought I had disappeared into oblivion, didn't you ?

I am sorry about the infrequent posts, but I haven't been doing a lot of crafting type things lately, except for today when I finished this blanket.
The pattern is from Kay Gardiner www.masondixonknitting.com. and I bought  it on Ravelry last year, after the  quake/tsunami in Japan. Kay donated all the proceeds from the sale of the pattern to Mercy Corps relief work.

I used Noro Silk Garden and knitted on 4mm needles. It was a lot of fun, and I am keen to make another perhaps using some of my handspun this time, but first I am going to try and finish some of the other projects I have in various bags all over the house !

2nd week

A very Happy New Year to everyone.

Into the 2nd week of the new year tomorrow already, and the days go by, oh so fast !

Tomorrow I am off to Auckland for the annual ASQSS, and I am looking forward to a week of meeting up with old friends, lots of music, recitals, good food and some R and R.
There is going to be more rain, but that won't dampen my mood, not one little bit.

Whilst away I always carry some knitting, and this year I am taking some 2ply merino and a  cotton alpaca blend to make the Hakusa scarf by Kirsten Johnstone. I purchased the pattern on Ravelry and have cast on already and have knitted a few rows so I will be able to knit whilst catching up with friends, without having to stop and count stitches.

Have a great week and see you when I get back.

Waterlogged

This is the view from my window today.
We have had so much rain in the last 48 hrs and it is still pouring down, creating havoc in our communities and town. Our town has been put in a state of emergency and 110 people have been evacuated from their homes.

Whilst marooned inside the house I have managed to stay busy, and I finished a short sleeved cardigan this morning Design 26 from the book Noro Mini knits.

and my woven shawl/throw that I blogged about recently.

This dear little dove of peace is bringing me much pleasure. My friend Mary made one for each member of our small stitching and knitting group.
Mary has had a year of some frightening health issues, and has come through it with flying colours. She has been a huge inspiration to me this year as I have watched her live it all with courage and immense bravery and selflessness.

Meanwhile I am praying for this rain to cease !